Status of Pilots: Belgium 2006

B E L G I U M

The Belgian (Flemish region) Government organises the pilotage service for ships in coastal waters, the river Scheldt and it's estuary bound for Antwerp or the canal from Ghent to Terneuzen, including the coastal ports of Zeebruges, Ostend and Nieuport. There are 4 districts: River Scheldt, Canal Ghent - Terneuzen, Scheldt estuary and Belgian coastal harbours.
A major part of the river Scheldt is Dutch territory while the main ports Antwerp and Ghent are Belgian. Therefore both Flemish and Dutch pilots are authorised to pilot vessels to and from the harbours of Antwerp and Ghent. The allocation of vessels to the respective pilotage services (27.5 % Dutch/72.5 % Flemish) is regulated by a treaty between the two nations. Vessels bound to a Belgian coastal harbour are exclusively piloted by Flemish pilots. Pilot boats, launches and helicopter are in common use between the Dutch and Belgian pilots.
The Flemish maritime pilots are civil servants of the Ministry of the Flemish government, department Mobility and Public Works. Since 2000 the pilots work in an autonomous company within the Flemish administration called the “DAB Loodswezen”.
The Flemish pilotage is regulated by the Belgian legislation on pilotage, treaties between Belgium and the Netherlands and the statute of the employees of the Flemish government.
It has to be noted that there is a lot of pressure to change the agreements between Belgium and the Netherlands on pilotage. Both countries have decided to stop the link between the pilotage tariffs of Antwerp and Rotterdam, to monitor the traffic on the river together and to intensify the cooperation between the pilot services of both countries.
There is a continuous evaluation of the quality of the pilot service. An independent quality assessment survey including the shipmasters, agents and ports are organised at regular intervals. Much effort is  put in the selection of candidates, training and education programs using an advanced manoeuvring simulator, supplementary training prior to a raise in category, and among others BRM courses. There are special trainings for helicopter operations and Shore Based Pilotage. The tender procedure to replace the pilot cutters by SWATH or SLICE type vessels is now almost finalised.
Pilots are also involved in the development of new port infrastructure, research projects and advise to other pilot organisation ( Vietnam, Panama ).
In August 2005 the DAB Loodswezen was the first pilot service to obtain the European EFQM Quality Award ‘Recognized for Excellence’.
In 2000 pilots from all districts merged in one organisation called "Beroepsverening van Loodsen". It represents the professional interests of the Flemish government maritime pilots. By law it is a ‘recognised but not-representative union’. The required number of members to be representative largely exceeds the total number of pilots ( i.e. other professions than pilots should be included ). But as we represent approx. 85% of all government pilots the organisation is consulted and being heard. Membership is not compulsory.

NUMBER OF PILOTS
River pilots Antwerp :         157
Canal pilots Ghent :             28
Sea pilots :                       134
Coastal pilots :                    40
Total :                              359       including 3 female pilots and 16 apprentice pilots.

EMPA-MEMBERSHIP
EMPA member since 1963. The "Vereniging van Staatsrivierloodsen" (now BvL) was founding member of EMPA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING
The Belgian pilots are licensed by the Flemish government. Minimum qualifications are :

• a valid STCW95 certificate with 36 months seagoing experience. ( Master ) and
• a university degree of Licentiate in Nautical Science ( Masters )
• for non Dutch speaking candidates, a certificate for Dutch language
• Medical examination
• Selection procedure and psychological tests
• There is no longer a maximum age for candidates.

Nowadays in Belgium a Masters' license F.G. can only be obtained with a university degree. In the near future the maritime education program will be reorganised according to the Bologna agreement ( Bachelor – Master ). After years of shortage of candidate-pilots the situation has slightly improved.
After one year of education and training ( including manoeuvring simulator ) for a particular district and having passed theoretical and practical examinations, the pilot license is obtained for one district.
The possibility to change from one to another district during the career exists. A licence for more than one district can not be obtained.
There is extra training each time a pilot will go to a higher category. Additional training for VTS-pilot, Shore Based Pilotage, BRM and Helicopter

RETIREMENT
The maximum age for retirement is 65 for men and 60 for women, but from the age of 60 or 55, the possibility of retirement exists, however with a considerable loss of pension rights. The “Beroepsvereniging van Loodsen" is attempting for many years to obtain a full retirement at the age of 60 or 55, up till now without any result.

PILOT STATIONS / DISTRICTS
River pilots ( Antwerp )
Are authorised to pilot ships on the river Scheldt and the adjacent rivers. This is from Temse and Wintham Lock (entrance to the sea-canal to Brussels) till Flushing roads, including the precautionary and anchorage areas ( 60 nm ). Pilots board or disembark in the locks of Antwerp, Wintham or Terneuzen, at the river berths, or at Flushing roads. Inside the port of Antwerp ( behind the locks ) Brabo Dock Pilots are authorised.
Technical Categories ( required period of service – length/draught ):
- 1 year                 < 100 m.
- 1 year                 < 125 m.
- 2 years                  < 150 m.
- 3 years                    < 175 m and max draught 110 dm.
- 3 years                    < 210 m (car carriers < 190 m) and max draught 125 dm.
- 2 years                    < 260 m and max. draught 135 dm
- after 12 years all vessels
Canal pilots ( Ghent )
Are authorised to pilot ships in the harbour of Ghent, on the canal from Ghent to Terneuzen and on the river Scheldt, from the locks at Terneuzen, including the anchorage area "Put van Terneuzen", downstream till Flushing roads, including the precautionary and anchorage areas. They board or disembark in the harbour of Ghent, at the locks at Terneuzen, or at Flushing roads.
Technical Categories ( required period of service – length/draught ):
- 1 year                 < 100 m.
- 1 year                 < 125 m.
- 2 years                  < 150 m.
- 4 years                    < 175 m and max draught 110 dm.
- 4 years                    < 210 m (car carriers < 190 m) and max draught 125 dm.
- after 12 years           all vessels
Sea pilots ( operate from Flushing )
They pilot vessels to and from Wandelaar and Steenbank Pilot Station ( 39 nm ) to Flushing Roads.  Occasionally they pilot vessels till Terneuzen Locks. They are also authorised to pilot vessels to the roads of Zeebruges, Ostend, Nieuport and Dunkirk.They are examined for the North Sea to assist masters in the range from Dover up to IJmuiden.
Technical Categories ( required period of service – length/draught ):
- 1 year                 < 100 m.
- 1 year                 < 125 m.
- 2 years                < 150 m.
- 4 years                < 175 m and max draught 110 dm.
- 4 years                < 210 m (car carriers < 190 m) and max draught 125 dm.
- after 12 years all vessels

Coastal pilots ( operating from Zeebruges )
Pilot vessels from Wandelaar pilot station to outer harbours of Zeebruges, Ostend and Nieuport and Dunkirk Roads. To and From Zeebruges to Flushing Roads; Behind the locks private pilots are authorised.
Technical Categories ( required period of service – length/draught ):
- 1 year                < 100 m.
- 1 year                < 125 m.
- 2 years              < 150 m.
- 4 years              < 175 m.
- 1 year               < 210 m (car carriers < 190 m).
- after 9 years       all vessels

TARIFFS - INCOME
The pilotage dues are determined by agreement between Belgium and the Netherlands, and for Antwerp have always been linked to those of Rotterdam. By 2008 their would come an end to this link.
Tariffs are based on draught and distance run under pilotage. From the lst of January 1998 a discount on the pilotage fee is granted in certain circumstances.  The reduction is obtained after a certain number of calls per calendar year, and is related to the length of the vessel. It varies between 10 and 40% of the fee.  The dues are collected by the government.
A study has been made to base the pilot dues on the blockcoefficient of the vessel. (LOA x breadth x max summer draught). This new tariff structure will be implmented in due time.
The income of a Belgian government pilot consists of a fixed salary according to his rank in the civil servant administration and a variable allowance.  Originally being a commission on the pilotage dues, it has been changed into an overtime remuneration.  Nowadays it is based on the number of ships piloted by a pilot and the number of days he has been available, irrespective of the duration of the pilotage tasks. The variable part is divided between pilots of the same category. The allowance and fixed revenue increase by seniority.
The amount of the collected pilotage dues has no influence on the pilots’ income but the number of pilotage acts affects the variable allowance and thus the pilots’ income.

WORKING HOURS
The more specific work organisation for pilots is provided by the "beurtregeling" (turn rules). This agreement is the result of negotiations between the government and the different employee's associations.
Pilots work on a basis : 6 days on, 5 days off. Annual leave : 38 days.  They are 162 days a year on duty.
The service is organised in a turn system.  When a pilot returns from a job, he will be put at the bottom of the list. It will be his turn again, when his resting period is over, and all available competent colleagues in front of him have been called for a job.
There is no limitation of work duration on pilotage.  The legislation on work duration for civil servants is hardly relevant for pilots. The minimum resting hours can never be denied and a  pilot should always have had a sufficient resting period before starting his duty.
The government agreed to set the number of pilots in the service according to a working pressure of annually 150 ships for a river, canal and coastal pilot, 200 ships for a sea pilot.

COMPULSORY PILOTAGE / PEC :
New regulations on pilotage are in force since 1st October 2002. On the river Scheldt and the the fairways leading to the Belgian harbours pilotage is compulsory for all vessels exceeding 80m loa. except for certain categories like sand dredgers, government ships, warships … .
Masters and officers in charge of the navigation can apply for a Pilot Exemption Certificate for a certain vessel and pilotage district. Conditions are based on frequent calls and an examination. There are severe penalties for non compliance with the regulations.

SHORE BASED PILOTAGE
Is still considered as second best to pilot on board. SBP is only offered to a limited number of INBOUND vessels ( draught and length restrictions, no dangerous cargo ) when normal pilotage is suspended due to dense fog or storm. SBP is only given on the sea section by specially trained sea and coastal pilots. Ships under SBP are considered to comply with the compulsory pilotage regulations. Outbound SBP is not offered as a seapilot can always board the vessel at Flushing Roads.
Antwerp, June 2006

ANTWERP Harbour Pilots  (C.V. BRABO)

2003

The Antwerp Pilot service is undertaken by pilots employed by the CVBA BRABO, a private company.
CVBA BRABO has a concession contract with the Antwerp Municipal Port Authority, by which it is authorised to organise the harbour pilot service inside the locks of the Antwerp port, thus referring to article 10 of the Municipal Police Regulations of the port of Antwerp.  This article mentions that in view of the need to police and with a view to the maintenance of public order and the safety of business of the port in general and of shipping traffic in particular, the piloting of seagoing ships is regarded as a task of the Port Authority.  Nevertheless the Antwerp Port Authority may decide to grant a concession for this service to a third party who complies with those conditions as may be determined by the Antwerp Port Authority regarding the assurance of the safety of the navigation, the general quality and organization of this service, the minimum requirements for physical equipment and the numbers and professional skills of its personnel.

The original concession contract dates from 1968.  The latest version was signed in 2002, starts as from the 1st January 2003 and covers a period of 8 years.

Pilots are trained and licensed by the firm itself (see, Qualifications").

Legal provisions :
-Belgian Law of 3 November 1967 concerning the pilotage of seagoing vessels, complemented by the law of 3Oth of August 1988
-Flemish Pilotage Decree of 19 April 1995

Number of Pilots: 73

EMPA-Membership

Since 1963 all CVBA. BRABO - pilots are members of EMPA

Qualifications

Being a boatman at the CVBA BRABO, the candidate pilot must have had at least a complete secondary education. He has to follow the firm's pilot school for a period of 8 years. 
Professors of the Superior School of Marine in Antwerp give theoretical courses, followed by one-year supplementary practical course given on manoeuvring. A special instructor-pilots instruct the practice on the spot itself.

At the end of their training a special compilation course is organized for their final examination, organized by the government, to prepare the candidates.  This so called compilation course is organized by our instructor and senior pilot.

The Flemish government organizes the official granting of the harbour pilot’s Licence.  After passing the examinations the certificate is officially granted.  This licence is to be compared with a bachelor’s degree, although it is not as such officially declared.

During the final 2 years of their training the candidate-pilots must accompany experienced pilots during their acts of pilotage.  Meanwhile they are instructed on the spot.  All together a minimum of 210 pilotage acts is required.  The more acts he has observed with a pilot, the more the candidate gets involved in the actual piloting.

During  the last 20 acts he has to prove his capability as a pilot.  The management has appointed some 8 special pilots, who supervise the candidate during this practical work, evaluate him and have to give their final remarks.  The pilot can chooses one of them to do 10 acts together. To perform the next 10 acts the management appoints one of the 8 mentioned senior pilots with whom the candidate must perform his final practical courses.  Afterwards, the results are considered.  In case of any doubt about the candidate's capacity, the management will delegate one or more of the managers (being pilots themselves) to take him with them on board for testing.

When starting his career the pilot is authorised to pilot ships according to the following regulations:

                                                                  Max. Length    max. Draught

1st month                                                                     80  m

from  2nd month                                                        100 m

from  7th month                                                         120 m

from  l0th month                                                         140 m

from  l3th month                                                         160 m

from  l6th month                                                         180 m

from  l9th month                                                         200 m                    40  feet

from  22ndmonth                                                        210 m

from  25th month                                                        220 m                    42 feet

from  28th month                                                        230 m

from  31th month                                                       240 m                    44  feet

from  34th month                                                        250 m

from  37th month                                                        260 m                    46  feet

from  40th month                                                        270 m

from  43thmonth                                                         280 m                    48  feet

from  46th month                                                        290 m

from  49th month                                                        no limits

Important to remark is the fact that now or never in the history of Brabo and in the history of the harbour of Antwerp a lack of experienced, fully educated harbour pilots had to be regarded.

Day after day our self supplying system shows us the advantages of this system.  Our pilots are very competent in their field and their capability is much appreciated in the harbour of Antwerp by all authorities and parties involved.

Refresher courses :

After 3 year experience : simulation training at Waterbouwkundig laboratorium, Antwerp.

After 4 year experience : our pilots follow practical shiphandling training courses at a Polish training center in Poland, with specially built training areas that are a full copy of the main important areas of the Antwerp harbour.

Retirement

Earliest age possible: 55 years

Pension: from 60 years till 65 years, which is the maximum age.

 

Tariffs / Income

With a view to the preservation of the competitive position of the port the rates applied by the concession holder must be approved by the Antwerp Port Authority.

Pilots are paid a fixed income per year.

 

Working Hours

38 hours/week.

Working shifts are grouped in a 4-days system:

-          day shift from 07.00 till 19.00 hrs,

-          24 hrs off duty,

-          night shift from 19.00 till 07.00 hrs,

-          48 hrs off duty.

day ......... etc .

Pilots don't wait at the pilot stations anymore. When a job is announced they are contacted at home by the workmaster. The pilot comes on his own to his normal station, where a pilot car picks him up and takes him to the ship. After the job is finished the pilot car brings him back to the station. He is free to go home after having informed the workmaster.

Shipping agents or shipowners can ask that one or more pilots should be allowed to pilot their ships whenever they arrive in the port. Normally the BRABO management will agree upon this system of 'choice pilot'.

 

Zeebrugge    (CVBA BREYDEL)

(Daughter firm of CVBA BRABO.)

 

Number of pilots

6 pilots (CVBA BRABO employs 1 Chief pilot; the costs of his wages are billed to CVBA BREYDEL.)

 

Tariffs

Tariffs are set by the M.B.Z. (Maatschappij voor Brugse Zeevaartinrichtingen), which is a private firm in control of the Brugge/Zeebrugge harbour activities.  This firm is also responsible for the invoicing and the collecting of the money.

71,5 % of the income is portioned out to the self-employed pilots, according to a distributing code they made up themselves. No guaranteed income.  Pilots take the full, economical risk".

 

Retirement: between 60 and 65 years (normal pension age).